Diaan Lawrenson has been appointed CEO of AFDA, The School for the Creative Economy.
Lawrenson is well known to South Africans for her role as fan-favourite Paula in the long-running soap opera, “7de Laan” and her performances in local films and series; including “Raaiselkind”, “Susters” and “Spoorloos: Steynhof”, among others.
She has served as the Dean of AFDA Cape Town for five and a half years. She is an alumna of the institution and has been lecturing at AFDA since 2016.
“As CEO, my role will contribute to steering the growth and evolution of our institution, ensuring its continued relevance and impact within the creative economy.
“This includes encouraging the development of our student body and amplifying the contributions of our alumni to the industries,” said Lawrenson.
Like Lawrenson, AFDA has won numerous accolades over the years. In 2021, 2022, and 2023, it was ranked among the top five most innovative South African educational institutions in the creative brand space in The Loeries Official Rankings and has won the Best Student Film award at the South African Film and Television Awards ten times to date.
“I am both inspired by their achievements and excited about what the future holds for AFDA. I am committed to building on our legacy and driving AFDA's vision forward with innovation, dedication, and a passion for excellence.”
Chris Vorster, CEO of STADIO Holdings which manages AFDA expressed that Lawrenson is the ideal person to lead AFDA forward.
“Diaan has more than 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry as an actor, producer, and content creator, working across all genres.
“Her comprehensive understanding of the industry means she knows exactly what it takes to support AFDA’s staff and students. We also look forward to supporting her vision for the institution, and the industry.”
Lawrenson entered the education sector by chance but has stayed with intention as she wants to contribute towards positive change in the industry.
Her students’ successes remind her of the purpose and value of the work she and her colleagues do as educators. But that doesn’t mean she’s disappearing from screens or the director’s chair anytime soon!
Alongside her new role, Lawrenson will remain actively engaged within the creative economy. “I believe this dynamic synergy—between active industry participation and academic rigour—is one of AFDA's greatest strengths,” she said.
“It’s an approach that I am deeply committed to upholding and enhancing. Our ability to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application ensures our students are well-prepared for the realities of the industry.”
Lawrenson’s vision for AFDA is to remain a pioneering institution at the forefront of innovation and collaboration and to produce graduates who are not only highly employable but who emerge as entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
IOL